Schapelle Corby ‘could have broken the law if she was paid for SAS Australia’

EXCLUSIVE: Top lawyer warns Schapelle Corby could risk breaking the law if she was paid by Channel Seven to appear on SAS Australia

A top lawyer has warned that Schapelle Corby could face legal problems following her appearance on Channel Seven’s SAS Australia this week.

During Monday’s season premiere, viewers watched as the convicted drug smuggler, 43, tearfully spoke about her nine years spent in Bali’s notorious Kerobokan prison.

However, proceeds of crime expert and top barrister Edward Greaves has warned that if Schapelle was paid to be on SAS Australia, she may have breached the Proceeds of Crime Act, which prevents criminals from cashing in on their misdeeds.

Cashing in? Top barrister Edward Greaves has warned that if Schapelle Corby (pictured) was paid to appear on SAS Australia, she may have breached the Proceeds of Crime Act, which prevents criminals from cashing in on their misdeeds

The law says that criminals like Schapelle can’t earn money from ‘literary sales’ – a vague term which Mr Greaves believes could include payment to appear on a reality TV show.

Daily Mail Australia is not alleging that Schapelle has broken the law, only that any payment to her by Seven may fall under the Proceeds of Crime Act. 

‘If Ms Corby was paid for her appearance on SAS Australia, then the fee is likely “literary proceeds” that could be confiscated by the Australian Federal Police,’ Mr Greaves said.

Speculation: The law says that criminals like Schapelle can't earn money from 'literary sales' - a vague term which Mr Greaves believes could include payment to appear on a reality TV show

Speculation: The law says that criminals like Schapelle can’t earn money from ‘literary sales’ – a vague term which Mr Greaves believes could include payment to appear on a reality TV show 

‘There cannot be much doubt that any fee for the SAS Australia appearance – if one was paid – was derived from the commercial exploitation of Ms Corby’s notoriety,’ he added.  

In August, the Sydney Morning Herald alleged the starting salary for the contestants on SAS Australia was $150,000 – but this rumour has not been substantiated.

When approached for comment on Tuesday about whether Schapelle did in fact receive a fee for her appearance on SAS Australia, Seven declined to answer.

No comment: When approached for comment on whether Schapelle did in fact receive a fee for her appearance on SAS Australia, Channel Seven declined to answer

Declined: When approached for comment on whether Schapelle did in fact receive a fee for her appearance on SAS Australia, Channel Seven declined to answer

‘We do not disclose the terms of our agreements with any people, from any of our shows,’ a Seven Network spokesperson said. 

Mr Greaves warned that the AFP can legally force Seven to disclose whether it paid Schapelle (or someone else on her behalf) for her appearance on SAS Australia.

If Schapelle were to be pursued by the AFP for money paid by Seven, she may still be able to keep the cash by making her case before a court.

Fee: 'There cannot be much doubt that any fee for the SAS Australia appearance - if one was paid - was derived from the commercial exploitation of Ms Corby's notoriety,' Mr Greaves said. Pictured: Schapelle awaiting trial in April 2005

Fee: ‘There cannot be much doubt that any fee for the SAS Australia appearance – if one was paid – was derived from the commercial exploitation of Ms Corby’s notoriety,’ Mr Greaves said. Pictured: Schapelle awaiting trial in April 2005

‘The unusual feature about literary proceeds is that the judge hearing the case will have a discretion,’ Mr Greaves said. 

For example, Schapelle could argue in court that the judge ‘should recognise a social value and public interest’ in her speaking about her experience in prison, Mr Greaves suggested.

‘She may also point to the fact that the TV show does not appear to be glamourise drugs or drug trafficking,’ he added.

Schapelle served nine years in prison for bringing marijuana to Bali. She was released on parole in February 2014 and deported back to Australia three years later.

Convicted: Schapelle served nine years in Bali's Kerobokan Prison for marijuana smuggling. She was released in February 2014. Pictured: Schapelle awaiting trial in April 2005

Convicted: Schapelle served nine years in Bali’s Kerobokan Prison for marijuana smuggling. She was released in February 2014. Pictured: Schapelle awaiting trial in April 2005